Picture: Taung Magistrate’s Court
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against a mother and her son from Extension 7 in Taung, is expected to resume today at Taung Magistrate’s Court. Kelebogile (41) and her disabled son, Tlotliso Segwabe (21) were arrested last week Thursday for a murder of a Zimbabwean man (26), who was killed during a mob justice.
The duo is facing murder, kidnapping, and malicious damage to property and they are expected to apply for bail.
It is alleged that, on the night of 28 June 2023, Tlotliso arrived at his house from a local tavern. He was allegedly attacked by the deceased person with a spade, while trying to open the door. According to allegations, Tlotliso ran and screamed for help.
Some community members allegedly woke up and came to his rescue. It is alleged that, the deceased person was chased and knocked at one of the houses, but the occupants refused to open for him. The community members allegedly did not catch him, but woke up early morning and embarked on a witch-hunt.
They allegedly found the deceased person and severely assaulted him with a sjambok. He was ferried to the Taung District Hospital for medical attention but allegedly succumbed to his injuries.
North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi cluster, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “It is alleged that the deceased victim was at the suspect’s home, where he was in an altercation with the son of the accused. He was overpowered and chased by a group of people and assaulted. The two accused persons were charged with kidnapping, murder, and malicious damage to property.”
The case against the accused persons was postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application. Kelebogile was ferried to Taung District Hospital after she collapsed while taken to police custody.
One of the family members, Telekelo Mahura, said they are worrisome with how the police have handled the matter. Mahura alleged that, there is a disparity in the case because the accused persons only had their day in court on Monday after being arrested last week Thursday.
“We call on the police to do their job diligently the way we expected. I am saying this because the two accused persons were arrested last week Thursday and only appeared in court on Monday. Now, the case has been postponed because the police said, they still have to go and arrest other suspects.
“However, it is not Kelebogile and Tlotliso’s responsibilities to ensure that is done. The police were supposed to arrest other suspects timeously and stop using that as an excuse. What if they have not arrested other suspects come Thursday? Kelebogile and Tlotliso will be denied bail again?” said Mahura.
He further said, what they know is that the deceased person was allegedly attacked and killed by mob justice. Mahura added that they do not understand why would the police only arrest Kelebogile and Tlotliso.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the social activist, Oratile Segosapelo, who also resides at Extension 7 said: “I am so disappointed that the police arrested the mother and her son, Tlotliso who is disabled. We do not know the motive behind the arrest, but we call on the police to be competent enough. Kelebogile’s health has deteriorated, while Tlotliso is disabled.
“Yes, justice must be served, but at least if the accused persons were given a free bail due to their conditions. So, as the community members of Extension 7, we will submit a petition to the court calling for the release of the accused persons pending investigations.”
The Guardian 